Since I had my car accident almost four months ago and haven’t been able to exercise, I’ve gained weight, my clothes are too tight and I feel like a fat slob. Not how someone in the fitness business wants to feel but something that I think we can all relate to; whether it’s because of an accident or just a history of not taking care of yourself. So, where do you start, what do you do and who do your turn to to get back into shape? We all have to start or restart somewhere, including me, so let’s discuss how we can do this together.

I know for me, even though I’ve been trying to get back into my workouts; maybe getting in one or at the most two in a week, I haven’t been consistent at all for many reasons – or excuses. As of today, Labor Day, though, I’ve worked out the last three days and feel better about myself and my body! Yes, it was easier to do since I didn’t have to go to work but now that I’m back into it, I’m going to schedule my next workouts on my calendar and do my best to keep those appointments.

One of the excuses that I’ve been using to keep myself from getting back into my workouts is that I knew that I was going to be sore, especially after the first weight training workout after not doing any for months. Since I knew that the next day I was going to be really sore due to DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) I wanted to make sure that I would have time to workout the next day so that I could work through the soreness. And, of course, I always had a reason why I couldn’t workout the next day so I skipped the original workout until I could “schedule” two days in a row. Not a good excuse since I could have gotten up early any day to get the workout in but I also rationalized that I needed that half hour sleep more than getting started again.

Speaking of that extra half hour of sleep, that was another big excuse that I used. Really, a half of an hour – 30 minutes. Even though I was trying to go to bed at least a half an hour earlier and it wouldn’t have hurt me to get up, I rationalized that it would so I’d hit the snooze button and not workout. No more! It’s not like I have to get up all five work mornings to workout if I also workout on the weekends. I find that I get results if I get in 5 workouts a week so we’re only talking 3 early mornings; which is only and hour and a half total and I can do that. And, starting tomorrow, I will since I’m on a roll now after the last 3 days.

Okay, so that’s the excuses and solutions that I’m using but when you’re a beginner what workouts do you start with? My recommendation is to get in at least one cardio workout; one weight training workout and one flexibility workout – whether it’s a simple stretching program or my favorite, yoga every week. There are a lot of programs you can do at home out on the market including all the ones that are on Beachbody on Demand. In fact, right now, you can join the 3 week Yoga challenge they have on there to get started in a yoga program, but they also have both cardio and weight training programs too. If you are disciplined enough to go to a gym, they all have numerous classes in each category so I’m sure you can find something you’d like at one near you. Whichever you chose, just be sure that it’s something that you enjoy – like I love my Combat kickboxing workouts because if you don’t enjoy it, you won’t consistently do it! If you’d like to hear about other workouts you can check out another blog post I posted recently here:http://getfitnowwithcheryl.com/reviews/my-review-of-some-workouts-ive-both-tried-used/

As far as who do you turn to for help getting started or restarted; I’d love to have you join me as I get back into my routine. I have a private Facebook group for my friends and clients and as of today, I’ll be posting my workouts in there to keep myself accountable and hopefully inspire you to do the same. Just say “I’m in” in the comments below and I’ll add you to the group!

Author:cherylo

I have been an International Sports Science Association Certified Personal Trainer since 2009, a Certified Boxing Fitness Trainer and I love helping women over 40 stay fit and healthy or getting their health and fitness back after spending all their time taking care of others.